1 00:00:00,360 --> 00:00:03,059 Speaker 1: If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, 2 00:00:03,620 --> 00:00:11,550 Speaker 1: they deceive themselves. Galatians 6.3 Heavenly Father, we come before 3 00:00:11,590 --> 00:00:17,270 Speaker 1: you with grateful hearts, acknowledging your infinite wisdom and grace. 4 00:00:19,150 --> 00:00:23,710 Speaker 1: We humbly admit our need for you and recognize that 5 00:00:24,010 --> 00:00:27,600 Speaker 1: all we are and have is because of your goodness. 6 00:00:29,070 --> 00:00:32,730 Speaker 1: Help us to see ourselves through the lens of your holiness, 7 00:00:33,970 --> 00:00:37,670 Speaker 1: not in self-condemnation, but in the truth of your love 8 00:00:38,159 --> 00:00:43,320 Speaker 1: and mercy. Grant us the humility to understand our place 9 00:00:43,700 --> 00:00:48,880 Speaker 1: in your grand design, lifting you above all else. May 10 00:00:48,900 --> 00:00:54,290 Speaker 1: we never be deceived by pride, but instead be filled 11 00:00:54,350 --> 00:00:59,750 Speaker 1: with awe at your majesty. Transform our hearts, Lord, so 12 00:00:59,770 --> 00:01:02,910 Speaker 1: that we seek to glorify you in all we do. 13 00:01:03,950 --> 00:01:09,930 Speaker 1: Strengthen us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly 14 00:01:10,350 --> 00:01:14,030 Speaker 1: with you. Empower us to be a force for good, 15 00:01:14,940 --> 00:01:20,800 Speaker 1: reflecting your light in our families, communities, and beyond. In Jesus' 16 00:01:20,840 --> 00:01:21,780 Speaker 1: name we pray. 17 00:01:22,620 --> 00:01:22,900 Speaker 2: Amen. 18 00:01:24,780 --> 00:01:28,000 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to 19 00:01:28,020 --> 00:01:34,220 Speaker 1: The Jesus Podcast. Stories inspired by the gospel to entertain, enlighten, 20 00:01:34,780 --> 00:01:39,460 Speaker 1: and encourage. Be sure to follow this podcast on whatever 21 00:01:39,520 --> 00:01:46,240 Speaker 1: platform you're listening to. Jesus and the disciples were invited 22 00:01:46,280 --> 00:01:49,120 Speaker 1: to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles with some of the 23 00:01:49,160 --> 00:01:53,020 Speaker 1: people in Jerusalem who had heard Jesus teach and believed. 24 00:01:54,120 --> 00:01:58,150 Speaker 1: They made their way through the winding streets. The warm 25 00:01:58,250 --> 00:02:04,340 Speaker 1: glow of lamps illuminated cloth curtains covering the windows. Each 26 00:02:04,400 --> 00:02:09,640 Speaker 1: house murmured with the celebrations within. Jesus pointed to the 27 00:02:09,680 --> 00:02:11,040 Speaker 1: house on the corner of the street. 28 00:02:11,620 --> 00:02:12,840 Speaker 2: I believe this is the place. 29 00:02:13,560 --> 00:02:17,500 Speaker 1: Jesus pushed open the door. Music poured out as the 30 00:02:17,540 --> 00:02:22,760 Speaker 1: disciples filled in through the doorway. Around the room, men 31 00:02:23,040 --> 00:02:28,900 Speaker 1: and women were laughing, singing, and playing instruments. A man 32 00:02:28,960 --> 00:02:32,820 Speaker 1: greeted with raised arms and a beaming smile. 33 00:02:33,220 --> 00:02:38,110 Speaker 3: Shalom, shalom. We weren't sure if you would come. Thank 34 00:02:38,130 --> 00:02:39,489 Speaker 3: you for joining us tonight. 35 00:02:40,030 --> 00:02:41,400 Speaker 4: Shalom, shalom, friend. 36 00:02:42,030 --> 00:02:43,740 Speaker 2: By the looks of it, this is the place to 37 00:02:43,780 --> 00:02:46,139 Speaker 2: be tonight. I can only assume you're the one who 38 00:02:46,180 --> 00:02:47,020 Speaker 2: invited us, yes? 39 00:02:47,580 --> 00:02:50,960 Speaker 3: Oh yes, I'm Michael. Some of us heard you would 40 00:02:51,000 --> 00:02:53,300 Speaker 3: be in the city for the festival and thought it 41 00:02:53,340 --> 00:02:57,420 Speaker 3: was worth inviting you to our humble celebration. Please come 42 00:02:57,480 --> 00:03:00,200 Speaker 3: and have a seat. There are many here who are 43 00:03:00,240 --> 00:03:01,340 Speaker 3: excited to meet you. 44 00:03:01,760 --> 00:03:04,190 Speaker 1: Michael cleared a few spaces in the center of the 45 00:03:04,250 --> 00:03:08,389 Speaker 1: room for Jesus and the disciples. People were watching them 46 00:03:08,410 --> 00:03:11,549 Speaker 1: through the sides of their eyes, whispering to one another. 47 00:03:12,410 --> 00:03:16,230 Speaker 1: The music had started to die down. It was evident 48 00:03:16,630 --> 00:03:20,029 Speaker 1: That word was spreading about the house, that Jesus was 49 00:03:20,090 --> 00:03:20,690 Speaker 1: in their midst. 50 00:03:21,190 --> 00:03:24,530 Speaker 3: We have heard your teaching from others. Is what you 51 00:03:24,610 --> 00:03:25,370 Speaker 3: say true? 52 00:03:25,389 --> 00:03:28,430 Speaker 2: I have come to speak on my father's behalf, and 53 00:03:28,450 --> 00:03:31,570 Speaker 2: the words I share are true. In fact, I will 54 00:03:31,590 --> 00:03:34,780 Speaker 2: be teaching in the temple courts tomorrow. Why don't you 55 00:03:34,810 --> 00:03:37,059 Speaker 2: come out and make the decision for yourself? 56 00:03:37,840 --> 00:03:40,980 Speaker 1: After the meal, Jesus rose from the table and thanked 57 00:03:41,020 --> 00:03:44,300 Speaker 1: his host. The disciples followed him out the door. 58 00:03:44,920 --> 00:03:45,380 Speaker 4: My friends. 59 00:03:46,060 --> 00:03:49,560 Speaker 2: Tomorrow is going to be a long day. Please, go 60 00:03:49,600 --> 00:03:52,310 Speaker 2: back to the house and get some rest. Are you 61 00:03:52,340 --> 00:03:55,050 Speaker 2: not coming with us, Rabbi? I will meet you all 62 00:03:55,110 --> 00:03:59,130 Speaker 2: in the temple courts. As for tonight, I must prepare myself. 63 00:04:03,370 --> 00:04:06,650 Speaker 5: Are you in pain after walking, running, or even just standing? 64 00:04:07,110 --> 00:04:10,690 Speaker 5: It's not your feet. It's your shoes. This summer, switch 65 00:04:10,720 --> 00:04:15,570 Speaker 5: to G-Defy shoes with patented VersoShock technology. which aligns your body, 66 00:04:15,730 --> 00:04:22,190 Speaker 5: provides superior shock absorption, and trampoline-like energy return. G-Defy offers 67 00:04:22,290 --> 00:04:26,570 Speaker 5: soles and styles for any activity, plus two free orthotics. 68 00:04:27,170 --> 00:04:30,070 Speaker 5: Whether you're an athlete, a busy parent, or always on 69 00:04:30,100 --> 00:04:34,300 Speaker 5: the go, G-Defy shoes deliver the comfort and versatility your 70 00:04:34,320 --> 00:04:38,860 Speaker 5: feet crave. Say goodbye to discomfort and hello to unparalleled 71 00:04:38,920 --> 00:04:44,300 Speaker 5: support this summer. Enjoy a special summer offer. Visit GDefy.com 72 00:04:44,640 --> 00:04:47,480 Speaker 5: and get $ 20 off your order of $ 100 or more 73 00:04:47,880 --> 00:04:52,590 Speaker 5: with code PRAY. Experience the miracle of ultimate comfort with 74 00:04:52,650 --> 00:04:59,609 Speaker 5: GDefy shoes. Visit GDefy.com today. 75 00:05:03,450 --> 00:05:07,789 Speaker 4: How do we guard against hypocrisy? It starts with self-examination. 76 00:05:08,150 --> 00:05:11,920 Speaker 4: We need to regularly ask ourselves, Am I truly abiding 77 00:05:11,960 --> 00:05:15,760 Speaker 4: in Jesus' Word? Am I letting His truth transform me? 78 00:05:16,240 --> 00:05:18,820 Speaker 4: Or am I just going through the motions, saying the 79 00:05:18,880 --> 00:05:21,870 Speaker 4: right things but not living them out? This is the 80 00:05:21,930 --> 00:05:26,750 Speaker 4: Jesus Podcast. I'm Ethan with Pray.com. Today we continue through 81 00:05:26,790 --> 00:05:30,550 Speaker 4: our mini-series on Jesus disrupting the status quo and showing 82 00:05:30,630 --> 00:05:34,430 Speaker 4: us a new way to live. This series showcases Jesus' 83 00:05:34,529 --> 00:05:37,670 Speaker 4: teachings and passion, and we will learn about God's heart 84 00:05:37,730 --> 00:05:40,920 Speaker 4: for people and for His kingdom. Today, we're going to 85 00:05:40,950 --> 00:05:45,260 Speaker 4: dive into a powerful passage from John 8, verses 31-59, 86 00:05:46,420 --> 00:05:49,540 Speaker 4: where Jesus calls out the hypocrisy of the religious leaders. 87 00:05:50,120 --> 00:05:53,500 Speaker 4: It's a story that challenges us to look inward, to 88 00:05:53,660 --> 00:05:57,460 Speaker 4: examine our own hearts, and to guard against the ever-present 89 00:05:57,520 --> 00:05:59,620 Speaker 4: danger of becoming hypocrites ourselves. 90 00:06:02,610 --> 00:06:06,909 Speaker 1: At dawn, Jesus strode into the temple courtyard. He found 91 00:06:06,950 --> 00:06:09,630 Speaker 1: a seat a few paces away from the offering boxes. 92 00:06:10,640 --> 00:06:14,120 Speaker 1: The sound of coins falling into the receptacles could be 93 00:06:14,170 --> 00:06:18,110 Speaker 1: heard faintly under the noise of many feet parading about. 94 00:06:19,070 --> 00:06:23,170 Speaker 1: A sea of colorful robes flowing through the courtyard as 95 00:06:23,270 --> 00:06:27,630 Speaker 1: men and women came in and out to worship. Some 96 00:06:27,670 --> 00:06:30,549 Speaker 1: of them had stopped to form a circle around Jesus 97 00:06:31,050 --> 00:06:31,830 Speaker 1: to hear him teach. 98 00:06:32,630 --> 00:06:35,700 Speaker 2: I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me 99 00:06:35,760 --> 00:06:38,839 Speaker 2: will never walk in darkness, but will have the light 100 00:06:38,880 --> 00:06:39,380 Speaker 2: of life. 101 00:06:40,080 --> 00:06:42,960 Speaker 1: At the innermost edge of the gathering stood a group 102 00:06:43,160 --> 00:06:48,620 Speaker 1: of Pharisees. Their demeanor spoke of their disgust for Jesus 103 00:06:48,960 --> 00:06:49,760 Speaker 1: and his teachings. 104 00:06:50,260 --> 00:06:53,570 Speaker 2: Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony 105 00:06:53,630 --> 00:06:57,450 Speaker 2: is strong, for I know where I came from and 106 00:06:57,570 --> 00:06:58,830 Speaker 2: where I am going. 107 00:06:59,529 --> 00:06:59,969 Speaker 3: Follow? 108 00:07:00,589 --> 00:07:02,710 Speaker 4: Who in their right mind would follow you? 109 00:07:03,470 --> 00:07:06,810 Speaker 6: Here you are appearing as your own witness. How can 110 00:07:06,830 --> 00:07:09,540 Speaker 6: your testimony be valid with no one else to support 111 00:07:09,570 --> 00:07:10,310 Speaker 6: your claims? 112 00:07:11,060 --> 00:07:14,100 Speaker 1: Jesus beat his chest with a clenched fist as he 113 00:07:14,200 --> 00:07:17,580 Speaker 1: spoke these words. They were confused about the meaning of 114 00:07:17,620 --> 00:07:21,580 Speaker 1: his argument. But before they could respond, he pointed his 115 00:07:21,680 --> 00:07:24,700 Speaker 1: finger down the nose of the Pharisee in front of him. 116 00:07:25,180 --> 00:07:27,680 Speaker 2: But you have no idea where I come from or 117 00:07:27,720 --> 00:07:28,320 Speaker 2: where I am. 118 00:07:28,320 --> 00:07:29,120 Speaker 3: Going, do you? 119 00:07:29,870 --> 00:07:33,310 Speaker 2: You judge others by whatever human standards please you. But 120 00:07:33,510 --> 00:07:37,030 Speaker 2: I pass judgment on no one. But even if I 121 00:07:37,090 --> 00:07:41,350 Speaker 2: do judge, my decisions are true because I am not alone. 122 00:07:42,050 --> 00:07:47,540 Speaker 1: Jesus directed their attention upward. The cloudless sky was a 123 00:07:47,580 --> 00:07:51,080 Speaker 1: bright blue. Many of the people in the temple courts 124 00:07:51,120 --> 00:07:55,740 Speaker 1: had ceased their activity to listen to Jesus. They did 125 00:07:55,800 --> 00:07:57,740 Speaker 1: their best to follow along closely. 126 00:07:58,530 --> 00:08:01,450 Speaker 2: I stand with the Father who sent me, and in 127 00:08:01,500 --> 00:08:04,740 Speaker 2: your own law it is written that the testimony of 128 00:08:04,840 --> 00:08:08,280 Speaker 2: two witnesses is true. For if I am the first 129 00:08:08,340 --> 00:08:12,600 Speaker 2: witness who testifies for myself, my other witness is the 130 00:08:12,680 --> 00:08:14,190 Speaker 2: Father who sent me. 131 00:08:14,700 --> 00:08:19,150 Speaker 1: His words sent an icy chill down the Pharisees' spines. 132 00:08:20,110 --> 00:08:23,650 Speaker 1: They had known Jesus to address Adonai in such a 133 00:08:23,750 --> 00:08:28,370 Speaker 1: personal manner to their displeasure. The religious leader hissed his 134 00:08:28,440 --> 00:08:29,620 Speaker 1: retort at the rabbi. 135 00:08:30,710 --> 00:08:33,250 Speaker 3: We've heard about your father, Jesus. 136 00:08:33,910 --> 00:08:34,390 Speaker 6: Where is he? 137 00:08:35,150 --> 00:08:36,850 Speaker 4: Can he come to testify? 138 00:08:37,450 --> 00:08:41,050 Speaker 1: Many had heard rumors of Jesus' miraculous birth and the 139 00:08:41,110 --> 00:08:44,290 Speaker 1: near disgrace of his mother. The Pharisees now tried to 140 00:08:44,450 --> 00:08:48,600 Speaker 1: use this against Jesus. But Jesus bellowed back. 141 00:08:49,120 --> 00:08:52,020 Speaker 2: You do not know me or my father. If you 142 00:08:52,059 --> 00:08:54,900 Speaker 2: knew me, you would know my father also. 143 00:08:55,650 --> 00:08:58,270 Speaker 1: Jesus held up his hand at the Pharisee before he 144 00:08:58,290 --> 00:09:02,200 Speaker 1: could reply. Then Jesus swiveled his body to the left. 145 00:09:02,820 --> 00:09:05,560 Speaker 1: There sat Michael and some of the believers from the 146 00:09:05,600 --> 00:09:06,140 Speaker 1: night before. 147 00:09:06,620 --> 00:09:08,920 Speaker 2: It has come to my attention that many of you 148 00:09:08,960 --> 00:09:13,180 Speaker 2: have heard me teach and believe my words. But hearing 149 00:09:13,710 --> 00:09:17,790 Speaker 2: is not enough to follow me. You must hear and obey. 150 00:09:18,309 --> 00:09:22,010 Speaker 2: If you hold to my teachings, you too are truly 151 00:09:22,050 --> 00:09:26,270 Speaker 2: my disciples. For my disciples know the truth. And the 152 00:09:26,360 --> 00:09:28,240 Speaker 2: truth will set you free. 153 00:09:28,820 --> 00:09:30,640 Speaker 1: Michael spoke on behalf of his group. 154 00:09:31,300 --> 00:09:35,640 Speaker 3: Rabbi, what freedom do you speak of? We are Abraham's 155 00:09:35,679 --> 00:09:38,850 Speaker 3: descendants and we have never been slaves of anyone. 156 00:09:39,420 --> 00:09:43,229 Speaker 2: Your mind is thinking in earthly terms, but I speak 157 00:09:43,250 --> 00:09:47,670 Speaker 2: of spiritual slavery. You see, everyone who sins is a 158 00:09:47,809 --> 00:09:48,830 Speaker 2: slave to sin. 159 00:09:49,410 --> 00:09:52,290 Speaker 3: How can we be free of this slavery to sin? 160 00:09:52,790 --> 00:09:56,010 Speaker 2: Think of it like this. A slave has no permanent 161 00:09:56,070 --> 00:10:00,199 Speaker 2: place in the family. But a son, a son... on 162 00:10:00,240 --> 00:10:04,060 Speaker 2: the other hand belongs to the family forever so if 163 00:10:04,100 --> 00:10:08,440 Speaker 2: the son sets you free you will be free indeed. 164 00:10:08,400 --> 00:10:13,559 Speaker 1: The pharisees gasped at jesus illustration does being. 165 00:10:13,420 --> 00:10:17,090 Speaker 6: A descendant of abraham mean nothing to you surely we 166 00:10:17,150 --> 00:10:21,200 Speaker 6: are already part of god's family Yet you call us slaves? 167 00:10:21,840 --> 00:10:25,250 Speaker 2: I know that you are Abraham's descendants, born of his line. 168 00:10:26,000 --> 00:10:28,210 Speaker 2: Yet you are looking for a way to kill me 169 00:10:28,270 --> 00:10:30,609 Speaker 2: because you have made no room for my word in 170 00:10:30,650 --> 00:10:34,390 Speaker 2: your heart. Everything I tell you, I have seen in 171 00:10:34,570 --> 00:10:38,980 Speaker 2: the Father's presence. But you, you are doing what you 172 00:10:39,020 --> 00:10:40,540 Speaker 2: have heard from your father. 173 00:10:41,160 --> 00:10:42,860 Speaker 6: Abraham is our father. 174 00:10:43,440 --> 00:10:47,880 Speaker 1: The Pharisee responded through gritted teeth. His hands were tightly 175 00:10:48,040 --> 00:10:50,980 Speaker 1: wound into fists under the sleeves of his robes. 176 00:10:51,520 --> 00:10:54,929 Speaker 2: If you were Abraham's children, then you would do what 177 00:10:55,090 --> 00:10:58,350 Speaker 2: Abraham did when he worshipped God for the promise of 178 00:10:58,390 --> 00:11:01,390 Speaker 2: the seed. But look at you. You are looking for 179 00:11:01,410 --> 00:11:03,830 Speaker 2: a way to kill me. A man who has told 180 00:11:03,870 --> 00:11:06,510 Speaker 2: you nothing but the truth that I heard from God himself. 181 00:11:07,350 --> 00:11:12,500 Speaker 2: Abraham did not do such things. No, no. You are 182 00:11:12,530 --> 00:11:15,380 Speaker 2: doing the works of your own father. 183 00:11:16,110 --> 00:11:21,340 Speaker 6: We are not illegitimate children. The only father we have 184 00:11:21,700 --> 00:11:22,640 Speaker 6: is God himself. 185 00:11:23,280 --> 00:11:27,160 Speaker 1: Again, the Pharisees were attacking Jesus' lineage and the claim 186 00:11:27,200 --> 00:11:31,220 Speaker 1: of his miraculous conception. But Jesus took no mind to 187 00:11:31,260 --> 00:11:34,199 Speaker 1: their insults. He didn't need their approval. 188 00:11:34,760 --> 00:11:37,939 Speaker 2: If God were your father, you would love me, for 189 00:11:38,059 --> 00:11:41,440 Speaker 2: I have come here from God. I have not come 190 00:11:41,520 --> 00:11:45,830 Speaker 2: on my own. God sent me. So why don't you 191 00:11:45,870 --> 00:11:50,170 Speaker 2: understand and believe? It's not because I'm not clear, but 192 00:11:50,210 --> 00:11:55,130 Speaker 2: because you are unable to hear what I say. You 193 00:11:55,290 --> 00:12:00,670 Speaker 2: have shut off your ears because you belong to your father, 194 00:12:01,150 --> 00:12:07,620 Speaker 2: the devil. And you want, you actually want to carry 195 00:12:07,720 --> 00:12:10,340 Speaker 2: out your father's desires. 196 00:12:10,880 --> 00:12:15,800 Speaker 1: The Pharisee's blood boiled. He turned and whispered a command 197 00:12:15,860 --> 00:12:19,100 Speaker 1: to one of the temple guards. The guard rallied some 198 00:12:19,140 --> 00:12:23,470 Speaker 1: of his companions and quickly headed down the colonnades. Jesus 199 00:12:23,540 --> 00:12:26,030 Speaker 1: watched their departure as he continued speaking. 200 00:12:26,670 --> 00:12:29,630 Speaker 2: He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to 201 00:12:29,650 --> 00:12:32,949 Speaker 2: the truth. But there is no truth in him. When 202 00:12:32,990 --> 00:12:38,660 Speaker 2: he lies, he speaks his native tongue. Not only is 203 00:12:38,700 --> 00:12:43,300 Speaker 2: he a liar, he is the father of all lies. 204 00:12:43,970 --> 00:12:47,709 Speaker 2: And as your father tells you lies, you listen to him. 205 00:12:48,309 --> 00:12:51,069 Speaker 2: Yet I tell you the truth and you do not 206 00:12:51,150 --> 00:12:51,929 Speaker 2: believe me. 207 00:12:52,450 --> 00:12:54,790 Speaker 6: And how do we know you're not the liar? 208 00:12:55,150 --> 00:12:57,949 Speaker 2: Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? Just 209 00:12:57,990 --> 00:13:00,030 Speaker 2: because you don't believe me doesn't mean I don't tell 210 00:13:00,050 --> 00:13:03,590 Speaker 2: the truth. I speak what the father has told me 211 00:13:03,650 --> 00:13:08,620 Speaker 2: to speak. Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. 212 00:13:09,360 --> 00:13:11,800 Speaker 2: The reason you do not hear is that you do 213 00:13:11,840 --> 00:13:12,860 Speaker 2: not belong to God. 214 00:13:13,360 --> 00:13:18,910 Speaker 1: The tension was palpable. Both parties were relentless and unmoving 215 00:13:19,070 --> 00:13:22,510 Speaker 1: in their stances. But it was clear that Jesus was 216 00:13:22,610 --> 00:13:25,910 Speaker 1: getting under the skin of the Pharisees. Though he spoke 217 00:13:26,030 --> 00:13:30,750 Speaker 1: confidently and directly, his temper never seemed to flare out 218 00:13:30,770 --> 00:13:34,860 Speaker 1: of control. The Pharisees tried to redirect the conversation with 219 00:13:34,920 --> 00:13:38,780 Speaker 1: what they believed would be a more compelling accusation to 220 00:13:38,820 --> 00:13:39,219 Speaker 1: the crowd. 221 00:13:40,990 --> 00:13:44,270 Speaker 6: Aren't we right in saying that you are a Samaritan 222 00:13:44,290 --> 00:13:45,470 Speaker 6: and demon-possessed? 223 00:13:46,860 --> 00:13:48,900 Speaker 2: You say it as one who now speaks the truth. 224 00:13:49,700 --> 00:13:53,000 Speaker 2: A demon does not possess me. Would a man possessed 225 00:13:53,020 --> 00:13:56,600 Speaker 2: by demons honor the Father as I have? But you 226 00:13:56,780 --> 00:14:00,800 Speaker 2: stand here and dishonor me, even though I am not 227 00:14:00,900 --> 00:14:05,020 Speaker 2: seeking glory for myself. But there is one who seeks it, 228 00:14:05,650 --> 00:14:10,200 Speaker 2: and he is the judge, truly. I tell you that 229 00:14:10,260 --> 00:14:14,940 Speaker 2: whoever obeys my word will never see death. 230 00:14:15,600 --> 00:14:19,180 Speaker 1: As Jesus said this, the temple guards returned with a 231 00:14:19,200 --> 00:14:22,859 Speaker 1: wooden cart. It was covered with a large piece of linen, 232 00:14:23,450 --> 00:14:29,010 Speaker 1: hiding the contents within. The Pharisees puffed up their chests 233 00:14:29,330 --> 00:14:30,030 Speaker 1: in outrage. 234 00:14:30,710 --> 00:14:34,310 Speaker 6: Now we know without a doubt that you are demon-possessed. 235 00:14:35,260 --> 00:14:39,890 Speaker 6: You say whoever obeys your word will never taste death. 236 00:14:40,710 --> 00:14:43,790 Speaker 6: But there is no denying that Abraham died, along with 237 00:14:43,830 --> 00:14:47,070 Speaker 6: all the prophets. Do you dare say that you are 238 00:14:47,110 --> 00:14:50,010 Speaker 6: greater than our father, Abraham? 239 00:14:51,350 --> 00:14:54,030 Speaker 2: Who do you think you are? You ask me of 240 00:14:54,110 --> 00:14:57,210 Speaker 2: my greatness, but my glory would mean nothing if I 241 00:14:57,250 --> 00:15:02,450 Speaker 2: glorified myself. My father, who you claim to be your God, 242 00:15:03,150 --> 00:15:08,710 Speaker 2: glorifies me. Again, I say that you do not know him. 243 00:15:09,430 --> 00:15:11,470 Speaker 2: I could also say that I don't know him, but 244 00:15:11,530 --> 00:15:14,250 Speaker 2: that would make me a liar like you. I do 245 00:15:14,330 --> 00:15:19,050 Speaker 2: know him, and I obey his word. If only you 246 00:15:19,130 --> 00:15:22,890 Speaker 2: knew who I was. For your father Abraham rejoiced at 247 00:15:22,930 --> 00:15:26,210 Speaker 2: the thought of seeing my day come. Even he knew 248 00:15:26,250 --> 00:15:28,900 Speaker 2: of my greatness and was glad to see it. 249 00:15:29,990 --> 00:15:33,270 Speaker 6: You aren't even fifty years old. How could you have 250 00:15:33,350 --> 00:15:34,750 Speaker 6: possibly seen Abraham? 251 00:15:35,620 --> 00:15:39,500 Speaker 1: Jesus stood tall. He glanced around at the crowd that 252 00:15:39,520 --> 00:15:45,300 Speaker 1: had grown since he had started preaching. Jesus stared intensely. 253 00:15:45,020 --> 00:15:49,619 Speaker 2: At the Pharisees. Very truly I tell you this, before 254 00:15:49,840 --> 00:15:53,450 Speaker 2: Abraham was born, I am. 255 00:15:54,210 --> 00:15:59,630 Speaker 1: Jesus' words rumbled like rolling thunder, shaking the hearts of 256 00:15:59,950 --> 00:16:05,010 Speaker 1: everyone present. The Pharisees took a step back in unbelief. 257 00:16:06,640 --> 00:16:09,740 Speaker 1: They hastily turned to the cart beside them and tore 258 00:16:09,800 --> 00:16:14,780 Speaker 1: the fabric covering, revealing a large pile of stones. One 259 00:16:14,880 --> 00:16:18,580 Speaker 1: by one, the Pharisees filled their hands with the stones. 260 00:16:20,080 --> 00:16:25,020 Speaker 1: Perceiving the gravity of the situation, the disciples quickly surrounded Jesus, 261 00:16:25,840 --> 00:16:27,420 Speaker 1: blending him into the crowd. 262 00:16:27,900 --> 00:16:28,420 Speaker 4: Where is he? 263 00:16:29,110 --> 00:16:31,489 Speaker 6: Where is Jesus of Nazareth? 264 00:16:32,850 --> 00:16:35,330 Speaker 1: No one in the crowd moved or said a word. 265 00:16:36,560 --> 00:16:39,260 Speaker 1: They were all too astonished at the teaching they had 266 00:16:39,300 --> 00:16:44,780 Speaker 1: just heard. Jesus and the disciples slipped through the bustling 267 00:16:44,840 --> 00:16:49,740 Speaker 1: courtyard into the safety of the city streets. The disciples 268 00:16:49,840 --> 00:16:53,520 Speaker 1: stared at each other with wide eyes as they caught 269 00:16:53,540 --> 00:16:57,580 Speaker 1: their breath. They couldn't believe that they had made it 270 00:16:57,720 --> 00:17:04,080 Speaker 1: out alive. Unable to fathom all that had happened, they 271 00:17:04,180 --> 00:17:10,350 Speaker 1: burst out with laughter, to stop themselves from panicking. They 272 00:17:10,390 --> 00:17:14,310 Speaker 1: were even alarmed by the truths Jesus shared. It was 273 00:17:14,390 --> 00:17:18,109 Speaker 1: evident to them that he was everything he said he was. 274 00:17:19,920 --> 00:17:23,540 Speaker 1: Just as the Son of God defended the Father before men, 275 00:17:24,580 --> 00:17:29,160 Speaker 1: they now knew that the Father was defending the Son. 276 00:17:32,140 --> 00:17:35,239 Speaker 4: Let's start by setting the scene. Jesus is speaking to 277 00:17:35,280 --> 00:17:37,600 Speaker 4: a group of Jews who had begun to believe in him. 278 00:17:38,060 --> 00:17:41,200 Speaker 4: But as he continues to teach, it becomes clear that 279 00:17:41,320 --> 00:17:45,379 Speaker 4: their belief is only superficial. They like the idea of Jesus, 280 00:17:45,900 --> 00:17:48,450 Speaker 4: but they're not ready to embrace the deeper truth of 281 00:17:48,490 --> 00:17:52,110 Speaker 4: his message. Jesus begins by saying, It's a beautiful promise. 282 00:18:03,460 --> 00:18:07,580 Speaker 4: But notice that it's conditional. If you abide in my word. 283 00:18:07,980 --> 00:18:11,120 Speaker 4: Jesus is calling for more than a passing interest. He's 284 00:18:11,160 --> 00:18:14,980 Speaker 4: calling for a deep, committed relationship with his word. But 285 00:18:15,080 --> 00:18:18,139 Speaker 4: the response from the crowd is telling. They say, we 286 00:18:18,180 --> 00:18:21,379 Speaker 4: are Abraham's descendants and have never been in bondage to anyone. 287 00:18:21,680 --> 00:18:25,220 Speaker 4: How can you say you will be made free? John 8, 288 00:18:25,220 --> 00:18:29,560 Speaker 4: verse 33. It's a shocking statement considering their history. The 289 00:18:29,600 --> 00:18:32,610 Speaker 4: Jews had been in bondage in Egypt, under the Babylonians, 290 00:18:32,880 --> 00:18:36,220 Speaker 4: and now under Roman rule, yet they claim they've never 291 00:18:36,280 --> 00:18:40,120 Speaker 4: been in bondage. Here we see the first signs of hypocrisy, 292 00:18:40,500 --> 00:18:43,780 Speaker 4: this disconnect between their words and reality. And it's a 293 00:18:43,820 --> 00:18:46,740 Speaker 4: good reminder for us. How often do we claim to 294 00:18:46,780 --> 00:18:50,080 Speaker 4: be free, all the while being held captive by our 295 00:18:50,160 --> 00:18:53,840 Speaker 4: own sins, our habits, our fears? We need to be 296 00:18:53,900 --> 00:18:57,310 Speaker 4: careful not to fall into the same trap of self-deception. 297 00:18:57,890 --> 00:19:00,969 Speaker 4: Jesus responds by saying, Most assuredly, I say to you, 298 00:19:01,450 --> 00:19:04,580 Speaker 4: Whoever commits sin is a slave to sin. John 8, 299 00:19:04,580 --> 00:19:09,020 Speaker 4: verse 34. It's a reminder that true freedom isn't about 300 00:19:09,260 --> 00:19:13,100 Speaker 4: outward circumstances. It's about the condition of our hearts. We 301 00:19:13,160 --> 00:19:16,180 Speaker 4: can be in the freest of societies, but if we're 302 00:19:16,220 --> 00:19:21,510 Speaker 4: living in sin, we're not truly free. John 8, verse 36. 303 00:19:21,510 --> 00:19:25,889 Speaker 4: But here's the good news. Jesus also says, Therefore, if 304 00:19:25,950 --> 00:19:29,450 Speaker 4: the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed. 305 00:19:29,950 --> 00:19:34,210 Speaker 4: John 8, Verse 36. True freedom comes from a relationship 306 00:19:34,230 --> 00:19:37,390 Speaker 4: with Jesus, from abiding in His Word and letting His 307 00:19:37,510 --> 00:19:41,210 Speaker 4: truth transform us from the inside out. This is where 308 00:19:41,250 --> 00:19:44,889 Speaker 4: hypocrisy often takes root. We can easily get caught up 309 00:19:44,950 --> 00:19:48,150 Speaker 4: in outward appearances and looking good on the outside while 310 00:19:48,430 --> 00:19:51,560 Speaker 4: ignoring the condition of our hearts. We might be like 311 00:19:51,580 --> 00:19:54,960 Speaker 4: the religious leaders, quick to claim we're children of Abraham 312 00:19:55,060 --> 00:19:57,909 Speaker 4: but slow to live out the faith of Abraham. We 313 00:19:58,010 --> 00:20:01,570 Speaker 4: must guard our hearts from getting too haughty, thinking we're 314 00:20:01,609 --> 00:20:04,369 Speaker 4: above it all and out of touch with our own sin. 315 00:20:04,850 --> 00:20:09,179 Speaker 4: As the conversation continues, Jesus makes a bold claim. I 316 00:20:09,260 --> 00:20:11,620 Speaker 4: speak what I have seen with my Father, and you 317 00:20:11,660 --> 00:20:14,440 Speaker 4: do what you have seen with your Father. John 8, 318 00:20:14,440 --> 00:20:18,420 Speaker 4: verse 38. He's starting to draw a line between those 319 00:20:18,460 --> 00:20:21,580 Speaker 4: who truly follow God and those who only claim to. 320 00:20:22,080 --> 00:20:25,320 Speaker 4: The religious leaders, of course, claim Abraham as their father. 321 00:20:25,880 --> 00:20:29,320 Speaker 4: But Jesus challenges them, saying, If you were Abraham's children, 322 00:20:29,560 --> 00:20:32,220 Speaker 4: you would do the works of Abraham. John 8, verse 39. 323 00:20:32,200 --> 00:20:37,260 Speaker 4: In other words, It's not enough to claim a spiritual heritage. 324 00:20:37,900 --> 00:20:40,879 Speaker 4: What matters is whether we're living out that heritage in 325 00:20:40,920 --> 00:20:45,800 Speaker 4: our daily lives. Jesus goes even further, eventually saying, You 326 00:20:45,900 --> 00:20:48,389 Speaker 4: are of your father the devil, and the desires of 327 00:20:48,420 --> 00:20:52,890 Speaker 4: your father you want to do. John 8, verse 44. 328 00:20:52,890 --> 00:20:56,190 Speaker 4: That's strong language. But Jesus isn't trying to win a 329 00:20:56,270 --> 00:21:00,790 Speaker 4: popularity contest here. He's speaking the truth in love, hoping 330 00:21:00,830 --> 00:21:04,030 Speaker 4: to shake them out of their self-deceptions. It's a stark 331 00:21:04,070 --> 00:21:07,609 Speaker 4: reminder for us. We all have the capability to be hypocrites. 332 00:21:07,910 --> 00:21:10,890 Speaker 4: We can claim to follow Christ, but if our actions 333 00:21:10,970 --> 00:21:14,730 Speaker 4: don't match our words, we're fooling ourselves. The world doesn't 334 00:21:14,790 --> 00:21:18,680 Speaker 4: need more people who simply say they're Christians. It needs 335 00:21:18,740 --> 00:21:22,800 Speaker 4: people who live like Christians, who reflect the love, the grace, 336 00:21:22,859 --> 00:21:26,020 Speaker 4: the truth of Jesus in every aspect of their lives. 337 00:21:26,560 --> 00:21:30,850 Speaker 4: So how do we guard against hypocrisy? It starts with self-examination. 338 00:21:31,240 --> 00:21:34,620 Speaker 4: We need to regularly ask ourselves, Am I truly abiding 339 00:21:34,660 --> 00:21:38,010 Speaker 4: in Jesus' word? Am I letting His truth transform me? 340 00:21:38,510 --> 00:21:41,209 Speaker 4: Or am I just going through the motions, saying the 341 00:21:41,270 --> 00:21:44,470 Speaker 4: right things but not living them out? Spurgeon once said, 342 00:21:44,770 --> 00:21:48,250 Speaker 4: The power of self-deception in the unconverted man is infinite. 343 00:21:48,670 --> 00:21:51,689 Speaker 4: And I would add, even in the converted man, the 344 00:21:51,750 --> 00:21:55,510 Speaker 4: danger of slipping into hypocrisy is always present. We must 345 00:21:55,570 --> 00:22:00,050 Speaker 4: be vigilant, always checking our motives, our actions, and our hearts. 346 00:22:00,670 --> 00:22:05,240 Speaker 4: In the end, Jesus makes a profound statement. Before Abraham was, 347 00:22:05,840 --> 00:22:10,460 Speaker 4: I am. John 8, verse 58. With these words, he 348 00:22:10,500 --> 00:22:15,140 Speaker 4: declares his divinity, his eternal nature, and his ultimate authority. 349 00:22:15,400 --> 00:22:18,430 Speaker 4: The religious leaders couldn't handle this truth, and they picked 350 00:22:18,490 --> 00:22:21,070 Speaker 4: up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself 351 00:22:21,450 --> 00:22:24,550 Speaker 4: and went out of the temple. Today, let's not be 352 00:22:24,609 --> 00:22:27,470 Speaker 4: like those leaders who rejected the truth because it didn't 353 00:22:27,510 --> 00:22:31,699 Speaker 4: fit their narrative. Instead, let's embrace the truth, even when 354 00:22:31,720 --> 00:22:34,969 Speaker 4: it's uncomfortable. even when it challenges us. Let us be 355 00:22:35,030 --> 00:22:37,720 Speaker 4: willing to look at our own lives and see where 356 00:22:37,800 --> 00:22:40,940 Speaker 4: we might be falling into hypocrisy. And then, let's bring 357 00:22:40,980 --> 00:22:44,500 Speaker 4: those areas to Jesus, asking Him to transform us from 358 00:22:44,520 --> 00:22:47,490 Speaker 4: the inside out. Because in the end, the truth will 359 00:22:47,550 --> 00:22:50,550 Speaker 4: set us free. And that's a freedom worth living for.